The Use of Probiotics in shrimp farming

Probiotics, a cornerstone of modern animal husbandry, play a pivotal role in fostering intestinal balance and overall health in host animals. In the realm of aquaculture, these beneficial microorganisms take centre stage, offering a myriad of benefits ranging from improved feed utilization to enhanced immune response and water quality. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the diverse world of probiotics in aquaculture, exploring their types, mechanisms of action, and innovative applications.

Understanding Probiotics: Types and Functions

Probiotics in aquaculture encompass two main categories: feed probiotics and water probiotics for shrimp. Let's explore each in detail:

Feed Probiotics

These probiotics, comprised of bacterial and fungal strains, are seamlessly integrated into feeding pellets or administered orally to rearing animals. Their primary function is to fortify the gut's microbial flora, thereby bolstering disease resistance and promoting efficient feed utilization. The morphology of the gut plays a crucial role in determining the efficacy of feed probiotics, with organic acids and their salts exerting growth-inhibiting effects on stomach and gut microbes. 

Santron is an innovative product from Skretting. Santron contains organic acids, butyrates, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), buffers, fatty acids, and aromatic oils that ensure digestion, inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, improve the microbial balance in the intestine, boost gut wall integrity, and have high solubility and a slow release of lauric acid butyrates for suitable absorption and gut retention time.

Water Probiotics

In contrast to feed probiotics, water probiotics are directly applied to the rearing medium to improve water quality and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. These probiotics work through competitive exclusion and inhibition mechanisms, where beneficial bacteria out-compete pathogens for resources, thereby reducing disease prevalence. Key strains used in water probiotics include Bacillus spp., renowned for their ability to degrade organic matter, control ammonia levels, and reduce pathogenic vibrio species.

AquaCare control harbours bacterial strains of live Bacillus Sps in lyophilized form and does not need fermentation. It degrades organic material such as faecal matter, unused feed, and sludge as well as it also controls ammonia by bacterial de-nitrification process. Moreover, Aqua care Bacillus strains also reduce the vibrio Sps by bacterial synergism so aqua care control is regarded as a highly efficient probiotic in Aquaculture.

Harnessing the Power of Probiotics: Benefits and Applications

The benefits of probiotics in aquaculture are manifold, ranging from enhanced disease resistance to improved water quality. By fostering a balanced microbial community in the gut and rearing environment, probiotics optimize feed utilization, reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, and promote overall fish health and well-being. Additionally, probiotics contribute to sustainable aquaculture practices by minimizing the use of antibiotics and chemical additives, thus ensuring the long-term health and viability of aquatic ecosystems.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of aquaculture, probiotics emerge as invaluable allies, offering holistic solutions for disease prevention, enhanced performance, and sustainable practices. By embracing the diverse array of probiotic products and harnessing their innate potential, aquaculture practitioners can unlock new frontiers of productivity and environmental stewardship. Join the journey towards healthier fish, cleaner water, and a more sustainable future with probiotics in aquaculture.